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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Rough weather has disrupted bunker deliveries in Zhoushan and South Korean bunkering hubs, while Singapore continues to see tightness on the back of terminal congestion.

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The following article regarding regional bunker fuel availability outlook for the East of Suez region has been provided by online marine fuels procurement platform ENGINE for publication on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

30 November, 2021

Rough weather has disrupted bunker deliveries in Zhoushan and South Korean bunkering hubs, while Singapore continues to see tightness on the back of terminal congestion.

Rough weather has suspended bunkering operations in the South Korean ports of Busan, Ulsan and Yeosu.

The ports were forecast to experience gale-force wind gusts in the range of 27-38 knots on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bunkering may resume on Wednesday evening, subject to weather changes, a source says.

Bunkering fuel availability remains tight in the South Korean ports, but could see more volumes to supply soon as an incoming VLSFO cargo is expected to replenish stocks on 3 December. Suggested lead times of seven days for fuels may be extended due to the weather disruptions.

Zhoushan’s bunkering operations have been suspended since Sunday amid bad weather in the region. However, the nearby port of Shanghai is still operating, a source says. VLSFO stocks are set to be replenished with the arrival of new cargo on 2 December, and an LSMGO cargo is set to arrive on 4 December.

In Hong Kong, operations may be suspended by gale on Wednesday, a source says. VLSFO availability has been tight at the port amid high demand and limited supply, with just two suppliers having product.

Fuel availability remains tight in Japan’s Tokyo Bay as well, amid refinery maintenance and power sector demand for fuel oil. Spiked gas prices have spurred higher demand for fuel oil for power generation, capping availability in the bunker market. VLSFO and HSFO380 availability is tight in Tokyo, with a waiting time of up to seven days. LSMGO is more readily available.

Singapore continues to see experience delaying barge loadings several weeks after a Covid-19 outbreak capped manpower at a loading terminal. VLSFO supply is tight with lead times of up to 11 days, while LSMGO lead times are steady on the week at eight days. HSFO380 lead times remain up to 12 days, with fewer suppliers offering the grade than the low sulphur grades.

The bunkering hub saw its residual fuel oil stocks rise to 11-week highs of 22.90 million bbls after a 10% increase in net imports, according to Enterprise Singapore. Singapore mainly imported fuel oil from Fujairah and Saudi Arabia’s Jizan in the week, but also from a range of other Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and South American countries. Fuel oil cargoes departed from Singapore for Fujairah, China, Taiwan and Indonesia.

In Fujairah, lead times for low sulphur fuel are longer this week, with the earliest expected delivery date for VLSFO and LSMGO around eight days out. HSFO380 is more available in the UAE bunkering hub, however, with lead times stretching to five days.

At the same time, Fujairah’s fuel oil stocks shrunk by 15.8% in the week to 22 November, which was the sharpest drop since early March, the most recent data from Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) and S&P Global Platts showed.

 

Photo credit: ENGINE
Published: 1 December, 2021

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Technology

Singapore: MPA working with industry on next phase of digital bunkering, says Deputy CE

‘We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA,’ says David Foo.

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Secure systems, trusted data and reliable digital services are becoming as important to maritime operations as physical infrastructure, said Mr David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on Thursday (10 September). 

In his opening keynote speech at APPEC 2026 Shipping And Bunker Conference, Foo said OCEANS-X, Digital Bunkering and the Maritime Digital Twin are enabling trusted data sharing, better operational planning and the testing of new digital solutions.

Foo said since 2025, digital bunkering has strengthened the efficiency and transparency of bunker operations. 

“We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA.” he said.

He also said MPA is taking a forward-looking approach to the energy transition.

“Over the coming decades, we are likely to see the most diverse marine fuel mix in shipping’s history. There may not be a single fuel of the future.”

“Our role as a global bunkering hub is therefore not to determine which fuel will prevail. Our role is to ensure that whichever fuels the industry adopts, Singapore is ready – with the infrastructure, standards and operational capabilities to support them.”

Foo said MPA is making concrete progress across the major alternative fuel pathways with the issuance of methanol bunkering licences and the commencement of methanol bunkering operations. 

“For ammonia, we are developing the regulatory and operational frameworks needed to support future commercial deployment. We are also facilitating greater use of sustainable biofuels,” he said.

At the same time, MPA continues to expand its LNG bunkering ecosystem, with additional licences issued this year. 

“This will broaden supply options as more LNG-fuelled vessels enter the global fleet. We have also just updated our LNG standards, while maintaining the high standards of safety and reliability that underpin Singapore’s reputation as a trusted bunkering hub,” Foo added.

Related: MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today
Related: Singapore: Golden Island, GET, and PetroChina to receive methanol bunkering licences
Related: Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel among eight selected for new LNG bunkering licences
Related: Singapore strengthens LNG bunkering framework with new SS 727 standard

 

Photo credit: Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash
Published: 10 September, 2026

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Financial Result

Singapore-based Uni-Fuels H1 2026 net income jumps 1,415% to USD 1.4 million

Company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

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Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, on Wednesday (9 September) announced its unaudited interim financial results for the first half of 2026, ending on 30 June.

The company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

The company’s net income increased 1,415% to USD 1.4 million for the first half of 2026, compared to USD 0.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Revenue increased 72% year-over-year to USD 197.1 million, from USD 114.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025 while gross profit also increased 158% year-over-year to USD 5.3 million, from USD 2.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Gross profit margin expanded to 2.7% in the first half of 2026, from 1.8% in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 50% improvement. 

For its 2026 outlook, the company is raising its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of USD 340 million to USD 360 million, from its previous guidance range of USD 320 million to USD 340 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected first-half performance and continued commercial momentum.

Koh Kuan Hua, Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Fuels, said: “Our first-half 2026 results demonstrate the strength of our commercial execution and the agility of our business model.” 

“As geopolitical developments and market volatility continued to influence global oil markets, we remained focused on delivering reliable supply solutions and value-added services to our customers. 

“Our ability to respond quickly to changing market dynamics while maintaining disciplined execution contributed to significant improvements in revenue, profitability and operating performance. 

“We believe this momentum positions us well for the remainder of the year, as reflected in our increased full-year 2026 revenue guidance of USD 340 million to USD 360 million.”

 

Photo credit: Uni-Fuels
Published: 10 September, 2026

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Incident

Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Firm says one member of the crew is missing following an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai and a specialist team is working to locate them.

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Marine fuels supplier Peninsula on Wednesday (9 September) confirmed that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm one fatality. Peninsula is in contact with their family and providing all the necessary support at this time,” the company said in a statement.

“In addition, one member of the crew is missing and a specialist team is working to locate them. All other crew members are accounted for.”

The company added it is working with all relevant parties to monitor developments.

“This is an ongoing incident and updates will be issued in due course when we have more details,” Peninsula added. 

According to a Reuters report citing preliminary assessments by maritime security sources, the vessel may have been struck by a drone.

The report also said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a vessel listing while at anchor about 24 nautical miles off the UAE’s Port Rashid, with the condition “possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”.

 

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 10 September, 2026

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